On our Classical India Tour, you will immerse yourself in the rich cultural tapestry of India. From the majestic River Ganga to the awe-inspiring temples and palaces, you will witness the country's captivating history, heritage, and diversity. India, a land steeped in a multitude of religions and cultures, offers you the opportunity to explore Hindu temples, Islamic monuments, and Buddhist sites in Sarnath. The Ganga River, revered as a mother and goddess, holds profound significance for many Indians.
The intricate carvings of the Kama Sutra on the temples of Khajuraho showcase ancient India's advanced understanding of human sexuality, while the architectural marvels of Orchha's palaces and temples are sure to leave you spellbound. Embark on our Classical India Tour, where you will traverse the country's iconic railway network and immerse yourself in an unforgettable journey filled with cultural enrichment and awe-inspiring experiences.
Travelers from across the globe have long been captivated by India's diverse cultures, rich history, and cherished heritage. Our carefully curated Classical India Tour invites visitors to embark on an incredible journey through traditions and eras. From the magnificent monuments to the spiritual Varanasi, the vibrant Jaipur marketplaces to the delectable cuisines of Delhi, every facet of India provides a distinct experience that leaves a lasting impression on the hearts of its guests.
Upon your arrival at the airport, our representative will greet you and assist with your transportation to the hotel. While the check-in process is being handled, our representative will provide you with the "Welcome Folder" and brief you on the tour program.
In the afternoon, you will embark on a combined city tour of Old and New Delhi, visiting notable landmarks such as Raj Ghat, where Mahatma Gandhi was cremated, the Red Fort constructed by the Mughal Emperor Shahjahan, and the Jama Masjid, the largest mosque in India with its three grand gateways, four angle towers, and two minarets made of alternating red sandstone and white marble.
Explore the vibrant Chandni Chowk, the main street of Old Delhi, known for its colorful shopping bazaar, in contrast to the open and spacious streets of the city. Visit the Laxmi Narayan Temple, dedicated to the goddess of prosperity and good fortune, and the India Gate, a war memorial that bears the names of 85,000 Indian soldiers who lost their lives in World War I.
The Rashtrapati Bhawan, the official residence of the President of India, showcases an interesting blend of Mughal and Western architectural styles. Finally, marvel at the Qutab Minar, the tallest monument in India, and the Bahai Temple, also known as the Lotus Temple, a stunning example of modern architecture set amidst pools and gardens. Overnight stay at the hotel.
After breakfast, depart for the vibrant city of Jaipur. Upon arrival, check into your hotel. The picturesque capital of Rajasthan, Jaipur is a city washed in a warm, pink hue - a color associated with hospitality in Rajput culture. Jaipur, along with Agra and Delhi, forms the renowned "Golden Triangle" of India's tourist circuit.
Jaipur is a place where royalty still resides in the grandeur of its palaces, where the honor of the clan has been a way of life, and where welcoming guests as deities has been a timeless tradition. The city's colorful bazaars offer a delightful opportunity to shop for Rajasthani handlooms and trinkets. Beautifully landscaped gardens and parks, impressive monuments, and magnificent heritage hotels, once the homes of Maharajas, are all worth admiring.
And let's not forget the charming camels and cheerful people in vibrant costumes that make your journey to the "Pink City" truly memorable. Enjoy your overnight stay at the hotel.
Enjoy a full-day sightseeing tour of Jaipur - the picturesque capital of Rajasthan.
Start your morning with an excursion to Amer Fort. Located 11 kilometers from Jaipur, this former capital of the Kachhwaha clan is built with white marble and red sandstone. The fort's reflection in the Maota Lake in front creates a stunning and almost dreamlike sight.
In the afternoon, explore the city's top attractions. Visit the City Palace, a blend of Rajasthani and Mughal architectural styles, as well as the Jantar Mantar observatory built by Sawai Jai Singh. The Hawa Mahal, or Palace of Winds, was constructed for royal ladies to observe royal processions without being seen. Venture just outside the city to see the magnificent Amber Fort, perhaps the finest example of Rajasthani fort architecture, which offers a grand view of the city below. Other highlights include Jaigarh Fort, Birla Mandir, and Sisodia Rani Ka Bagh. Spend the night at a hotel.
After breakfast, depart for Agra via surface transportation. Along the way, visit Fatehpur Sikri. Upon arrival, check in at the hotel.
Agra is the quintessential Mughal city, where the world marvels at the epitome of love, beauty, and sacrifice embodied in the Taj Mahal, one of the wonders of the world. The magic and grandeur of this monument have immortalized Agra as the City of the Taj. As visitors walk down the narrow, bustling streets, they can't help but wonder if the man contentedly smoking a hookah is a direct descendant of the bygone Mughal era.
In the afternoon, embark on a city tour, visiting the Taj Mahal, built by the Mughal Emperor Shahjehan in 1630 as a mausoleum for his queen, Mumtaz Mahal. Besides the Taj, the Agra Fort is also an interesting sight. Visitors can also explore Agra's rich heritage of handicrafts in the local markets. Overnight at the hotel.
Note: The Taj Mahal is closed on Fridays.
In due time, you'll be transferred to the railway station to board the train for Jhansi. Upon arrival, you'll be met and assisted by a Special Holidays representative, who will welcome and escort you by private transport to Khajuraho, making a stop at Orchha along the way. Once in Khajuraho, you'll check in at the hotel.
The Khajuraho temples are dedicated to gods and goddesses such as Shiva, Jagadamba, and Vishnu. These temples are masterpieces of sculptural art and architecture. The city is renowned worldwide for its erotic sculptures, which are over a thousand years old.
Near Khajuraho is a small village with a population of no more than 3,000 people. Khajuraho attracts tourists from all over the globe every year. These temples have stood for more than 10 centuries, weathering both human conflicts and the forces of nature. Out of the original 85 temples, only 20 have survived and are now under preservation as a UNESCO World Heritage site.
Khajuraho is celebrated for its temples and is one of the most visited destinations in India, second only to the Taj Mahal in Agra. In addition to its temples, Khajuraho also hosts an annual dance festival, which is another popular tourist draw.
In the afternoon, you'll take a city tour to explore the famous Western and Eastern Temples. Overnight stay will be at the hotel.
You will be transferred to the airport to board your flight to Varanasi. Upon arrival, you will be greeted and assisted by a representative from Doko Tours. You will then be welcomed and escorted by private transport to your hotel, where you will be assisted with check-in.
Varanasi, also known as Benaras to the British, is an ancient city situated along the western bank of the Ganges in the northern Indian state of Uttar Pradesh. It is an important pilgrimage center for Hindus, with references to the city found in the great epics of Mahabharata and Ramayana. Varanasi was a thriving trade hub when Buddha came to nearby Sarnath in 500 BC to deliver his first sermon.
As the renowned American author Mark Twain once noted, Varanasi is "older than history, older than tradition, older even than legend and looks twice as old as all of them put together." From ancient times, Varanasi has stood as a symbol of Hindu renaissance, preserving the rituals and traditions of Hindu philosophy. Over the centuries, pilgrims from distant lands have come to Varanasi in search of divine blessings.
In the evening, you will witness the glittering Aarti ceremony on the Ganges. Overnight stay will be at the hotel.
After breakfast, a city tour of the ancient city of Varanasi reveals that visiting temples is a major attraction. The sacred Ganges River is the center of much religious activity in the city. The ghats, or steps, built along the river's banks are also a major draw for visitors.
Other interesting places to explore include the Alamgir Mosque, Durga Temple, Vishwanat Temple, Bharat Mata temple, Tulsi Manas Temple, Banaras Hindu University, and the Archaeological Museum. Afterwards, transfer to the airport to board a flight to Delhi, then continue onward to your final destination.
End of Our Services ( Check-in/ Check-out time is 1200 Hrs.. at all hotels )
To confirm your client's travel arrangements, please provide a scanned copy of their passport. This should include their date of birth, passport number, nationality, the date the passport was issued, the expiration date, and the issuing authority.
Rickshaw Ride in Jaipur
Exploring the vibrant, traditional bazaars of Jaipur's Pink City is best done by taking a cycle rickshaw ride. In just half an hour, you can witness the diverse offerings, from fresh produce to high-end jewelry. The old city is home to specialized markets for books, jewelry, groceries, and much more. This lively area is characterized by a distinct pink hue, which extends to both sacred Shiva temples and the historic Jama Masjid.
Kathak Dance Shows at Varanasi
Kathak is one of India's ten classical dance forms, and Varanasi is likely the best place to witness a live Kathak performance. Families in Varanasi have passed down the art of Kathak through generations, with four generations often performing together, from an eighty-year-old patriarch to a fifteen-year-old dancer. Watching a Kathak performance is a delightful experience, as this ancient dance emphasizes rhythmic footwork, adorned with tiny bells, perfectly synchronized with the accompanying music.
Explore the Kamasutra Temples
Khajuraho, a village in the central Indian state of Madhya Pradesh, is renowned for its Kamasutra-inspired temples. These sandstone structures, commissioned by the Chandela rulers, are divided into Western and Eastern groups. The ornate carvings and depictions of human emotions, including compassion, love, and serenity, on the temples are truly captivating.
Understand the Cycle of Life and Death at Varanasi
Varanasi is a diverse spiritual hub situated along the historic riverbanks known as the Ghats of the sacred Ganges River. It is the abode of Lord Shiva and an ideal place to contemplate the cycle of life and death. Nearby in Sarnath, visitors can also gain insights into Buddhism, as it was here that Lord Buddha delivered his first sermon.
The Richness of India
The classical period of Indian history is typically dated from 200 BCE to 650 CE, a time when India experienced remarkable artistic and cultural achievements. This era saw the flourishing of philosophy, art, and trade, which profoundly shaped India's identity for centuries. In this Classical India Tour Program, we've incorporated the culture, arts, crafts, history, food, and music from ancient to modern times.
Historical Importance
During this period, India as a nation saw the emergence and decline of numerous powerful empires, including the Mauryas, Cholas in the South, Chandelas, and Guptas. Each of these empires left behind remarkable architectural marvels and exquisitely intricate artwork.
Cultural Diversity
Classical and modern-day India have been a vibrant fusion of diverse cultures, with numerous dynasties thriving across various regions of the country. This diversity is prominently reflected in India's rich tapestry of languages, cuisine, architecture, traditions, and festivals.
Art and Architecture
The artistic achievements of this era are evident in numerous renowned landmarks across India, including the exquisite Khajuraho Temples, the Sarnath Stupa and ruins, the awe-inspiring Ajanta and Ellora Caves, as well as the magnificent Indian temples of the south, such as Brihadeeswara, Shore Temple, and Meenakshi temple, among others.
Cuisine Exploration
The cuisine of India is remarkably diverse, offering an array of culinary experiences, from the rich Mughlai dishes to the local Rajasthani specialties, and from the Royal Kitchens to the vibrant street food. Prepare to delight your taste buds with the distinct flavors of Indian spices during this journey.
On this trip, you will savor the diverse flavors of North Indian, Mughlai, Rajasthani, and Chandela cuisine. Well-known cities like Delhi, Agra, Varanasi, and Jaipur are renowned for their delectable street food offerings.
No visit to India would be complete without trying classic regional dishes such as Butter Chicken, Laal Maas, Varanasi Kachori, Jaipuri Lassi, the Vegetarian Thali of Rajasthan, and local desserts from Agra.
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